Tough test

Friday

Jun 21, 2013 at 12:01 AM

By FRANK STEWART Tribune Media Services

To end the work week, test yourself with a tough defensive problem. Cover the East and South cards.

South's bidding suggests a balanced six to nine points. As West, you lead the jack of clubs. Declarer puts up dummy's ace - East plays the deuce - and leads the king of diamonds: deuce, three ... and you take your ace. What do you lead next?

It's tempting to plug away at clubs as the actual West did. But South won and claimed four diamonds, three clubs and three hearts.

After East's signal with the deuce of clubs, South may well have nine or more tricks ready to cash once West takes the ace of diamonds. West's best chance lies in spades. He must hope East has the jack and ace. But a shift to the deuce of spades won't work. Dummy plays low, and East takes the jack and returns a spade to the king, but when West leads the nine next, dummy plays low, and the suit is blocked.

To beat 3NT, West must lead the nine of spades at Trick Three. Did you find that play?

North dealer

Both sides vulnerable

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